VOLUNTEER NOTES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 134, 25 February 1909, Page 5

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Admiral Algernon de Horsey, writing to Lord Roberts. says: "In Fberoary next I shall have served sixty-nine years in the navy, and for the last sixty years, I have been a reader of the 'Times.' which, with twenty years service in command of ships and squadrons. is at least some education. I have, in former days, been of opinion that except as regards India, our security might rest on the navy alone. This was at a time when the navy of Germany consisted of one small frigate of about l(H>0 tors, but of late years I have been obliged to entirely alter my opinion. Viewing the results of the Russo-Japanese war. the totally altered condition of Germany's naval force, and the experience of a long life I. am convinced thai every nation, including Britain, must be prepared with sufficient land forces to protect itself from invasion or aggression, and i that Britain, in addition to her land forces, must possess supremacy on the sea for her own defence, and for i that of her dominions all over the ! world."

Although Mr Dcakin has gone out of power as bead of the Commonwealth Government, his Defence Bill will not be abandoned. Mr Hughes. AttorneyGeneral m the new Ministry, will take charge of the Bill, and it is expected it will pass during next session. Mr Fisher. Mr Deakin's successor, is a strong supporter of the universal system of training.

The "D"Squadron. Cambridge, bred their marksmen's course on the I'Uh in*t. Sergt-Maor Simpson put up a score of T4 out of a possible 80; Scrgt. Feake. 8(5; and Corporal Wallace. fi9. Sergt-Major Simpson made eight consecutive boll's eyes at 700 yards, and Sergt. Feake seven consecutive bull's eyes at the same range. A dismounted parade was held the same evening, when there was a good attendance. Six N.C.O's sat for their theoretical examination. The practical examination will probably take place on March 13th.

it has new been definitely decided to hold the Easter Manouevres on Mr J. B. Star key's property near Morrinsville.

The Te Awamuto troop paraded at the Rifle Range .under Lieut. Block, on 11th February, when class firing was carried out.

The ifoard of Inquiry, constituted to inquire, into the injury to Corporal Sutherland's horse, sat at Hamilton on 12th February, and adjourned in order that a veterinary examination might be made.